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The differences between quality control inspectors and technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a technician has an average salary of $38,045, which is higher than the $35,018 average annual salary of a quality control inspector.
The top three skills for a quality control inspector include calipers, magnetic particle and quality products. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.
| Quality Control Inspector | Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $35,018 | $38,045 |
| Hourly rate | $16.84 | $18.29 |
| Growth rate | -3% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 92,794 | 596,842 |
| Job satisfaction | 4.5 | 2 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Average age | 45 | 40 |
| Years of experience | - | 2 |
Quality control associate scientist roles require good observation, critical thinking, and communication skills, in addition to knowledge of procedures and chemistry. They assist in laboratory experiments and research, while working in a team or independently. Working with the lead scientist, associates may compile reports of their data findings.
Technicians are skilled professionals who primarily work with technology in different industries. They are knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the various items they work with. They are usually working with electricity or with technological advancements. Technicians may be assigned to do the construction of equipment or materials related to their field of study. They may also be assigned to conduct diagnostics and other maintenance activities to ensure that the equipment works properly. Technicians may also be required to conduct basic repairs in case of problems. It is important that technicians have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.
Quality control inspectors and technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Quality Control Inspector | Technician | |
| Average salary | $35,018 | $38,045 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $47,000 | Between $24,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Broomfield, CO | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Los Alamos National Laboratory | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a quality control inspector and a technician in terms of educational background:
| Quality Control Inspector | Technician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between quality control inspectors' and technicians' demographics:
| Quality Control Inspector | Technician | |
| Average age | 45 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 59.2% Female, 40.8% | Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 20.9% Asian, 8.6% White, 54.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 4.9% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 2% |